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9 ways the Blue KC Care Management app helps you manage your health
Want to get support right at your fingertips? The Blue KC Care Management app is like having your own personal health aide.
Staying on top of your health is one of the best ways to feel good and fend off future illnesses. Maybe you even have a specific goal, such as managing a chronic condition like hypertension or diabetes, losing some weight, or quitting smoking.
The Blue KC Care Management app is here to help. This innovative digital tool makes it easy to get support at your fingertips. And it connects you to a care team that will offer encouragement as you take charge of your health. You can also get appointment reminders, track your health goals, and more.
It’s free and easy to download. Here are nine ways the Blue KC Care Management app can help you manage your health.
1. You will be assigned a dedicated care manager
When you create your account for the Blue KC Care Management app, a care manager is assigned to you. That means you’ll interact with the same person each time. This is someone you can turn to in addition to your regular doctor. Most of the Blue KC care managers are nurses, but there are also social workers and other health care professionals.
“Everything in the app is designed to educate our members,” says Lauren Patterson, R.N. She’s a registered nurse and Blue KC care manager who specializes in disease management. Your care manager is there for you. They can explain a diagnosis, support a wellness goal, give you advice on how to improve your health, and much more. Your conversation will be private and secure.
2. The programs are personalized
Programs in the Blue KC Care Management app are designed to complement the care you get from your provider. The programs cover a range of needs, including:
- Managing a chronic condition (such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, asthma, or pain)
- Navigating pregnancy
- Losing weight
- Quitting smoking
Some programs, such as care after surgery, are short term. Other programs are longer term. For example, there’s a year-long general wellness and prevention program to help keep you on a healthy path.
3. You can communicate securely
With the Blue KC Care Management app, you can send a secure text to your care manager at any time. Have a question late at night? You can send it when you think of it, and your care manager will get back to you during the business day. “A lot of our members really like the ability to message us,” says Patterson. “They get what they need in a timely manner because they can access us without playing phone tag.” (Care managers are also available for phone calls during business hours, if you prefer.)
4. You will receive reliable health tips
Your care manager can send you daily educational articles via the Blue KC Care Management app. For example, if you’re undergoing cancer treatment, you’ll receive articles that are relevant to your unique situation. If you’re participating in the wellness and prevention program, you may receive articles about nutrition, exercise, or sleep. The goal: helping you learn more about your condition or health objective. “This knowledge can help you feel more empowered,” Patterson says.
5. You can set up medication reminders
Simply load information about your medications into the app and you’ll have your medication details all in one place. Include your medication dosage schedule and you can receive daily reminders so you don’t miss a dose. Your care manager can also review your list of medications with you and provide information to help manage your condition.
6. The app will check in on you
Occasionally, the app will send you personalized check-in questions. Your care manager can follow up if your answers indicate a potential problem. For example, you might be asked:
- Your level of pain (if you’re in the pain management program)
- Whether you’ve had your blood pressure checked recently (if you’re in the hypertension program)
“This way we have the ability to adjust your care plan so you have what you need,” says Patterson.
7. You can track your physical activity
A step counter in the Care Management app can help you monitor your daily activity. It allows you to set a custom goal for how many steps you’d like to take each day. You can also see information from Apple Health or Google Fit in the app’s physical activity section.
8. The app sends you a daily to-do checklist
When you sign on for a specific program, you’ll receive a daily to-do checklist. The checklist summarizes your goals for the day and helps you track your progress.
9. You can set up appointment reminders
It’s not always easy to keep track of your medical appointments and tests. With the Blue KC Care Management app, you can set up reminders that come straight to your smartphone. You can also use the app to capture contact information for your providers. “It’s a hub to get all of that information in the same spot,” Patterson says.
Ready to get started? Download the free Blue KC Care Management app to stay connected with your Blue KC care team. It’s available from the App Store or Google Play. Just use the access code kclinksupport to get started. Do you prefer to talk? Call 816-395-2060. Calls will be returned no later than the next business day.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
